The biggest fintech conference in the U.S. is just a week away, and companies from all over the country (and the world) will be coming to show off their innovative products and services. Some of our KCD PR team members will be attending- some for the first time, and some repeat attendees, but we are ALL excited to learn, engage, and network with some of the foremost leaders in the fintech space! The team will be posting content from the event and doing a full recap of all the excitement, but first, let’s discuss what topics we are expecting to take center stage at this year’s event.
Buy Now, Pay Later
According to the CFPB, the number of BNPL loans originated in the U.S. by the top five lenders grew by a whopping 970% from 2019 to 2021. BNPL is an emerging trend and it’s not likely to go away soon, especially with holiday shopping around the corner. Is BNPL sustainable, though, or could it be the next bubble? We expect to hear about the future of the BNPL as a whole and what it means for financial institutions/consumers.
Examples: Affirm, Klarna, Afterpay
Blockchain and Crypto
Despite the rough crypto winter we have had, do not count out the crypto and blockchain companies from Money20/20 this year. These applications could range anywhere from decentralized finance (DeFi) to cross-border payments; there are still a lot of great builders doing interesting things in this space. We expect there to be a lot of discussion regarding the regulation that has been coming from the SEC and how the industry can move forward after the collapse of FTX and Sam Bankman-Freid’s trial.
Examples: Coinbase, Ripple, Circle
Fraud Prevention
Fraud continues to be a leading concern for fintech companies. The average fintech company has lost $51 million annually to fraud (Source: Plaid). As hacks, ransomware, malware and more continue to be prevalent, fintech companies will be looking for the best new insights on how to protect their consumers and digital products. We expect to hear about the newest techniques that cybercriminals are using and how fintechs can effectively minimize and reduce their risk when it comes to fraud.
Examples: Trulioo, Onfido, Instnt
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is the buzzword of the moment – and for good reason! Fintech companies across the vertical are leveraging AI technologies for all kinds of uses including enhancing fraud detection, risk assessment, and personalized financial advice. We expect to hear a discussion of possible AI regulation in the U.S. and what that could mean for fintech companies. Additionally, there is sure to be debate over the use of AI and how to make its place in this space more ethical.
Examples: Everyone!
Financial Inclusion
According to an FDIC national survey, an estimated 4.5 percent of U.S. households (approximately 5.9 million) were “unbanked” in 2021. Fintech continues to play a crucial role in expanding access to financial services for unbanked and underbanked populations. Companies are developing new and innovative ways to address these issues such as mobile banking, biometric identification, alternative data, artificial intelligence, and more to offer low-cost financial products. We’re expecting to hear more about how fintech can prioritize user experience to make their platforms more accessible, plus new strategies for boosting financial literacy and education.
Examples: Chime, Argyle, Mpower Financing
We’re looking forward to the event this year – and would love to connect with you and your team if you’re also attending. Please feel free to reach out to us to schedule an appointment and chat over a coffee. Also, be sure you’re connected with and following Kevin Dinino, Julian Willis, Olivia Gerling, and Sarah Ikalowych on LinkedIn and X for all the real-time updates and insights!
